NEW PROVIDENCE: A Changing Cityscape

New Providence, according to the title page, was not written, but conceived. It must have been pleasant to be in on this process; the product reflects the enjoyment of its creators. In double-page views from a point atop the Town Hall, the reader sees the imaginary town of New Providence in 1910, 1935, 1955, 1970, 1980 and in 1987. A brief assessment follows every picture, telling what has happened and pointing out the architectural and social changes. In 1910, New Providence is an idealized town, with a fine courthouse, department store and hotel flanking the town square. The view extends to rolling hills, where suburbs of large Victorian houses give way to agriculture. The inevitable happens. The mill grows, ""progress"" changes the faces of the buildings, urban sprawl and freeways preempt the old homes, the downtown deteriorates, concrete covers the square. But by 1987 the town has been revived--new attractions replace the old and junky, and the square is green and populated with happy folks again. While children may not understand some of the references, there is sure to be a fascinated adult looking over their shoulders to explain.